Chapter 58: In This Lifetime, He Will Not Allow This Kind Of Thing To Happen Again

“You… you won’t let go of what?”

Li Rong’s senses were overwhelmed by Pei Wenxuan’s actions, making it hard for her to understand his words. She could understand each word, but felt she might be misinterpreting them.

Pei Wenxuan held her quietly. Li Rong struggled to speak, “You want to hold me forever?”

She laughed, “I know you’re feeling sad tonight. If you want to hold me, go ahead. But that’s enough talking, I need to sleep. Tomorrow morning, your family will definitely criticize me, so let’s not talk anymore.”

After saying this, Li Rong turned her back to Pei Wenxuan and pretended to sleep.

Pei Wenxuan held her for a while, noticing her stiff body, and then relaxed his grip. He lay behind her, quietly watching her.

He couldn’t lie flat at night, only on his stomach or side. The pain from his wound kept him awake. Since he couldn’t attend court the next morning, he simply watched Li Rong, occasionally running his hand through her hair.

He was always a cautious person, never acting without certainty. He knew that the current Li Rong probably had no romantic feelings for him. If he spoke rashly, they might not even remain friends. So, he decided to stay by her side and slowly win her over.

Dripping water wears through stone, and a metal rod can be ground into a needle. He had a goal and enough patience.

With his mind made up, Pei Wenxuan felt a sense of peace. He reached out, took a strand of Li Rong’s hair, and gently sniffed it.

The fragrance from her hair filled his senses. He moved closer, gently holding the sleeping Li Rong in his arms and resting his head on hers.

When Li Rong woke up, she found herself in Pei Wenxuan’s arms. She was startled awake but then scolded herself for overreacting. Considering the troubles Pei Wenxuan faced with his family the previous night, it was normal for him to seek comfort. Given Pei Wenxuan’s virtuous nature, even if he had any thoughts, she wasn’t afraid of him.

Calming herself, Li Rong got up. Her attendants helped her dress. Pei Wenxuan, noticing the light, lifted the bed curtain and peeked out, still half-asleep, “Your Highness, today won’t be easy.”

“Don’t worry,” Li Rong reassured him. “I’ll have someone notify your mother and bring her from the Pei residence. I’ll handle things at the palace first. If you resolve your mother’s issue, have her come to the palace.”

Li Rong didn’t say much, but Pei Wenxuan understood clearly. He propped himself up on one hand, his expression serious, “Rest assured, Your Highness, I’ll take care of it.”

Though his expression was serious, his hair was disheveled, and his chest was exposed, revealing his lean, fair chest. His usually handsome face now had an indescribable allure.

This allure wasn’t the softness of femininity but the charm of a dashing young man, deliberately flaunting to woo a girl—a man’s temptation to a woman.

Li Rong glanced at his face briefly, then looked away, “Lie down and rest well. I’m leaving.”

With that, Li Rong led her attendants out of the room.

Once outside, Li Rong instructed someone to notify the Pei residence’s informants, find a way to inform them of Pei Wenxuan’s serious injury, and bring Madam Wen to the princess’s residence.

After handling these matters, she went to court.

The Pei family’s actions were undoubtedly influenced by pressure from other noble families. Li Rong’s sudden change in temperament after her rebirth, coinciding with her marriage, made everyone think Pei Wenxuan was behind it. The noble families troubled the Pei family, who in turn troubled Pei Wenxuan, hoping to pressure him into changing her attitude.

The Pei family might have thought of beating Pei Wenxuan, firstly to show her the severity and serve as a warning, and secondly to show the aristocratic families their stance, indicating that it was Pei Wenxuan’s own idea, thus appeasing the aristocratic families.

However, the thoughts of people like Shangguan Xu might not be that simple. They probably anticipated that the princess would go to rescue Pei Wenxuan…

Thinking of this, Li Rong felt she had been impulsive.

Last night, if she hadn’t forcibly rescued Pei Wenxuan, the Pei family wouldn’t have really beaten Pei Wenxuan to death. If Pei Wenxuan returned injured, they could find someone to reason with. As long as she didn’t commit a crime, the reasoning would be on their side. Retaliation would be a matter for later. But last night, she didn’t think it through and didn’t realize that while the mantis stalks the cicada, the oriole follows behind. After rescuing the person, she realized that the aristocratic families might have been waiting for her.

Now, the key point of the Qin case has long been focused on her Supervisory Department (formerly the Censorate). They are trying every possible way to find trouble with her and abolish the Supervisory Department, which is what the court most wants to do now.

Her forcible entry into the Pei family might be their reason today.

Li Rong could already imagine the scene of memorials flying to Li Ming’s desk like snowflakes. Li Rong lightly tapped her small fan, thinking about how to organize her words.

After thinking for a while, she sighed. Jinglan, who was beside her, placed some pastries on a plate and smiled, “Your Highness, why are you sighing so early in the morning? What are you worried about?”

“I…” Li Rong was about to say that she had no confidence in today’s morning court, but before she could speak, Jinglan said, “Are you thinking about how to explain yesterday’s incident to Lord Su today?”

Li Rong froze. After a moment, she sighed again, “Why bring this up?”

She felt even less like attending court.

But she had to face what needed to be faced. Li Rong mentally prepared herself and finally arrived at the palace gate. After getting off the carriage, she walked into the square. There were a few ministers standing in the square. After walking a few steps, she saw Su Rongqing, who had just arrived.

After hesitating for a while, she still went forward and called out, “Lord Su.”

Su Rongqing saluted Li Rong. Li Rong smiled awkwardly, “Yesterday…”

“My lord and I had dinner and left early,” Su Rongqing said respectfully, “We didn’t delay anything. Your Highness need not worry.”

“I’m sorry,” Li Rong felt even more embarrassed seeing Su Rongqing’s calm expression without a trace of dissatisfaction. She could only say, “There was indeed an incident yesterday. I’ll host another day.”

“There’s no need,” Su Rongqing said calmly, “Your Highness’s current status is sensitive. You shouldn’t have too much contact with me to avoid causing gossip among the ministers. Yesterday, I agreed to my lord’s invitation without knowing Your Highness would come. If I had known, I wouldn’t have agreed.”

Su Rongqing’s refusal was straightforward, almost saying, “It’s better if you don’t come.”

Li Rong felt her face being slapped, but her face had long been trained to be as thick as a wall by Pei Wenxuan. She pretended not to hear anything and smiled, “Alright, let’s arrange it another time. Lord Su, you go ahead. I’ll leave first.”

Saying this, Li Rong didn’t give Su Rongqing a chance to refuse and directly turned back to her position.

After a while, Li Ming was escorted into the court by attendants. Li Ming sat down as usual and routinely asked, “Is there any important matter today?”

As soon as he finished speaking, Li Rong saw Pei Lixian move. Pei Lixian moved quickly, but she moved even faster. She hurriedly knelt down and loudly said, “Father, you must stand up for your daughter!”

Li Rong’s voice was full of sorrow, scaring Pei Lixian into a shiver. He looked up at Li Rong, then at Li Ming. Li Ming calmly sipped his tea and said indifferently, “Were you bullied?”

“It’s not me, it’s the consort,” Li Rong said with a sobbing tone. “Last night, Pei Liwen had someone summon the consort back to the Pei family, saying that my mother-in-law was seriously ill. The consort hurried back, but upon arrival, he was beaten by Pei Liwen’s men. Now, he is lying at home covered in injuries and unable to attend court. You know the consort’s nature; he has always been filial and respectful to his elders. He was beaten because of me. Even though the other party is an elder, the consort is still a royal son-in-law. The Pei family beating the consort is a loss of my face and the dignity of the royal family!”

Li Rong’s tearful complaint made Pei Liwen unable to bear it. He hurriedly stepped forward and said, “Your Majesty, the facts are not as the princess said. Since the consort married the princess, he has never returned home to visit his mother. Recently, my sister-in-law has been unwell and has summoned the consort many times, but he ignored her. In despair, she summoned the family elders and called Wenxuan back to the clan.”

“We hoped to persuade Wenxuan to return to the right path and be filial to his mother. However, he spoke rudely, refused to listen, and insulted his elders. My sister-in-law, seeing her son’s insolence, had the servants act according to family rules. But Wenxuan, relying on his status as the consort, refused to obey and clashed with the servants, injuring many of them. He even boasted that with the princess backing him, no one could control him. Later, the princess forcibly entered the Pei residence with soldiers and took the consort away, breaking the arms of two servants in the process. She acted arrogantly and lawlessly, and now she slanders the Pei family, Your Majesty!”

Pei Liwen knelt and loudly said, “If Your Majesty does not punish the princess, it will chill the hearts of the ministers.”

Li Ming said nothing. He looked at Li Rong and asked, “Rong, what do you say?”

“Father, they said they summoned the consort many times, but he refused. Why not call the witnesses to verify when, where, and who summoned him? They said the consort beat people. Last night, the consort hurried back upon hearing his mother was ill, bringing few people with him. Surrounded by the whole family, how could a mere scholar dare to act and end up bedridden after being beaten? Pei Liwen and I each have our own version of events. Why not investigate and see who is lying?”

“Call them then,” Pei Liwen said angrily, “The princess should not distort the truth and be so arrogant!”

“Enough,” Li Ming said impatiently, “This is a family matter. You may not care about your reputation, but I do. The consort was beaten, and Rong rescued him last night. What is there to argue about? Let’s move on. I heard that three provinces have been without rain for a long time, and there may be a severe drought. Let’s not discuss these trivial matters.”

Li Ming brought up state affairs, silencing Pei Liwen, who turned red with anger.

Li Rong stood up calmly. Then a minister stepped forward and said, “Your Majesty, the princess has just established the Supervisory Department, and…”

“Enough!” Li Ming interrupted angrily, “Do you want me to charge you with disrespect? No matter what, Wenxuan is my son-in-law, a royal relative! I have already been lenient by not holding anyone accountable for beating him! Silence!”

Li Ming’s scolding silenced everyone. Li Rong lightly tapped her small fan on her palm, keeping her head down and silent.

After scolding everyone, Li Ming forcibly changed the topic. The ministers suppressed their anger and began discussing the drought with Li Ming.

Li Rong lowered her eyes, calculating the time.

*

At this moment, the sky was just beginning to brighten, but it was also overcast, as if it might rain at any moment.

Madam Wen sat in front of the mirror, sighing softly as she looked at the woman in the mirror.

She hadn’t slept all night and was in poor spirits. The maid behind her couldn’t help but ask, “Madam, why are you worried?”

“Yesterday,” she said slowly, “the princess said those words. I don’t know if they are true. I have been thinking all night. If what she said is true, and Second Uncle really intends to harm Wenxuan…”

“Madam is overthinking,” the maid interrupted softly. “Second Master and First Master grew up together. The eldest son is First Master’s only son, and Second Master treats him as his own child. Look at Second Master’s eldest son, who is also a minor official. The eldest son is impulsive and needs more tempering. The princess misunderstood Second Master’s intentions.”

Madam Wen said nothing, holding the small comb in her hand and lowering her eyes in silence.

She had never been involved in these matters before. When Pei Lizhi was around, he would arrange everything for her. She never thought that the people around her might have ulterior motives, nor did she think she needed to fight for anything.

In the four years since Pei Lizhi’s death, she spent most of her days eating vegetarian meals and praying, hoping that Pei Lizhi would have a better life in the afterlife.

Last night, after being scolded by Li Rong, she finally had some thoughts. She looked around and realized that many of the people around her were no longer the old ones.

For example, the one helping her with her makeup was arranged by the housekeeper. But the housekeeper’s authority had been handed over to her sister-in-law for a long time. She didn’t like managing these trivial matters and thought that Pei Lixian’s wife, Qin Shi, managed them better. Now, thinking carefully, she felt a bit scared. There were hardly any people around her who were not sent by Qin Shi.

She was scared but didn’t dare to say much. After finishing her makeup, the servant brought her bird’s nest soup as usual. When she opened the lid, she saw a line of small characters: “The eldest son requests to see Madam at the Princess’s residence.” Seeing this, she panicked. She looked around and saw the person who brought the bird’s nest soup watching her. Her heart raced, and her hand shook, causing the bowl to fall to the ground. The servant hurriedly knelt down and said, “This servant deserves to die.”

“Clean it up first,” she steadied her voice and then asked the maid to bring another bowl of bird’s nest soup. After the maid left, she immediately asked, “What happened to my son?”

“Madam, the eldest son is seriously injured. Please lie down and sneak out through the back window. I will lead you out.”

Hearing this, she suppressed her racing heart and didn’t dare to ask more. After the maid returned, she ate a few bites of bird’s nest soup and then said she wanted to sleep a bit more, sending everyone out. She then opened the back window as instructed and saw the servant waiting for her. He handed her a bundle of clothes and whispered, “Change quickly.”

She nodded, quickly changed her clothes, and followed the servant, disguised as a vegetable seller, out through the back door.

Once outside and on the carriage, she anxiously asked, “What happened to my son?”

“The eldest son needs your help, so he asked you to come and see him,” the servant reassured her. “Please be patient; you will see him soon.”

Seeing that she couldn’t get more information, she stopped asking and anxiously twisted her handkerchief.

Meanwhile, in the court, after discussing the rain and other matters, Li Ming finally announced the end of the court session.

Li Rong smiled and turned to leave the hall. Before she could exit, Pei Liwen called out loudly, “Your Highness, don’t you feel guilty for lying today?”

Hearing this, Li Rong turned to look at Pei Liwen and couldn’t help but laugh, “I haven’t even troubled you, and you dare to trouble me? I should be asking you this: don’t you feel guilty for lying today?”

“It doesn’t matter if it’s a lie or not,” a minister approached with a stern expression, “A mother disciplining her son is only natural. It was inappropriate for the princess to forcibly enter a minister’s home.”

“Why don’t you say that to my father?” Li Rong turned to the speaker, smiling mockingly. “You didn’t dare to say a word in the court just now, and now you come to trouble me? If you think you’re so reasonable, go ahead and say it.”

“Your Highness,” another minister frowned, “You are too arrogant.”

“Then impeach me,” Li Rong looked over again. “If you really can’t stand it, why don’t you hit me a couple of times?”

“You!” The minister took a step forward but was quickly stopped by others. Seeing the angry minister, Li Rong twirled her fan and laughed, “I really love seeing you all so upset with me but unable to do anything about it. You are blind, and I won’t argue with you. Sooner or later,” Li Rong pointed at each minister surrounding her, “you will have to apologize to me.”

With that, Li Rong snapped her fan open and walked away with a smile, “Alright, gentlemen, disperse. I still have cases to handle.”

“Princess Rong!” Pei Liwen shouted at Li Rong’s back, “This world will not tolerate your arrogance and injustice. I will go to the Imperial Study to seek justice from His Majesty. If you are not punished today, I will crash into the dragon pillar in the Imperial Study and die to persuade the emperor!”

“I’ll go!”

“I’ll go too!”

The ministers were furious, as if they were about to crash into the dragon pillar together.

Li Rong nodded, “Very well. I didn’t want to argue with you, but if you insist on clashing with swords, I’ll accompany you. In front of the Imperial Study,” Li Rong pointed at Pei Liwen, “today, either you will be carried out or I will. Let’s go!”

With that, Li Rong shouted and strode towards the Imperial Study.

As she stepped out, a strong wind mixed with autumn leaves swept in, and thunder rumbled. The ministers, stunned for a moment by her shout, cursed and followed her out. Two groups arrived at the Imperial Study, each kneeling on one side. Li Rong knelt alone on one side, while Pei Liwen led a large group of ministers kneeling on the other side.

“Your Majesty!”

“Father!”

Both sides shouted, their voices blending into a cacophony.

“We request Your Majesty to severely punish Princess Rong for forcibly entering a minister’s home without cause. Such arrogance and lawlessness cannot be tolerated in the Supervisory Department!”

“We request Father to severely punish Pei Lixian and Pei Liwen for deceiving their sister-in-law, mistreating their brother’s orphan, seizing their deceased brother’s estate, and beating the consort. Such shameless and unethical behavior cannot be condoned!”

“Your Majesty!”

“Father!” The shouting continued for a long time until Fulai finally came out, looking apologetic. “Your Highness, gentlemen,” Fulai smiled bitterly, “His Majesty said this is a family matter, and he will not intervene. Please return.”

“Your Majesty, the princess is the head of the Supervisory Department. How can this be just a family matter? If Your Majesty does not give us justice today, we will kneel here until we die!”

“Kneel until you die?” Li Rong laughed, “Didn’t you say you would crash into the pillar? The dragon pillar is over there, go ahead.”

“You!” Pei Liwen’s eyes widened. Li Rong smiled sweetly, “Minister Pei, you should keep your word.”

“Women and petty people are hard to deal with,” Pei Liwen gritted his teeth, “I won’t argue with a woman.”

“You can’t even win an argument with a woman,” Li Rong twirled her fan leisurely, “It seems Minister Pei really has no reason. You might as well crash into the pillar and leave a good name.”

Pei Liwen ignored Li Rong, breathing heavily as if he was about to explode. He said to Fulai, “Please convey to His Majesty that if the princess is not punished today, we will not leave.”

“Please also convey,” Li Rong said calmly, “that if the consort is not given justice today, I will kneel here until I die.”

Fulai looked troubled, “Your Highness, why are you causing trouble?”

“They are causing trouble,” Li Rong sneered, “Just convey the message.”

As Li Rong and Pei Liwen knelt at the door of the Imperial Study, the news quickly spread.

Meanwhile, Pei Wenxuan had changed his clothes and was sitting in the main hall, watching as Madam Wen was helped in.

Seeing Pei Wenxuan, Madam Wen’s eyes reddened, and she hurriedly asked, “Wenxuan, how are you?”

“Mother, please sit,” Pei Wenxuan smiled and let Madam Wen sit down. Madam Wen anxiously looked at Pei Wenxuan, “About last night…”

Pei Wenxuan didn’t speak. He quietly watched Madam Wen. Seeing the look in Pei Wenxuan’s eyes, Madam Wen felt a chill in her heart. She stared at Pei Wenxuan, trembling, “Do you blame me?”

Pei Wenxuan smiled without speaking, his calm gaze carrying a hint of detachment, making Madam Wen tremble even more. “Do you also think that your second uncle is bad to you and wants to harm you?”

“Mother,” Pei Wenxuan said with a bitter smile, “It’s not what I think; it’s the truth.”

“There might be a misunderstanding…” Madam Wen felt her heart sinking but couldn’t help explaining, “Your second uncle told me…”

“It doesn’t matter what he said,” Pei Wenxuan interrupted her seriously, “What matters is what he did.”

“Mother, how many of father’s old people are still around you?” Pei Wenxuan’s question stunned Madam Wen. He continued softly, “On my way back from Luzhou, I encountered an assassination attempt. I was lucky to return home, only to hear that my second uncle planned to ‘train’ me by assigning me to a minor official position.”

“Assassination?” Madam Wen was shocked, “Why… why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because it was useless.” Pei Wenxuan smiled, “I know your nature. When I returned, there were hardly any of father’s old people left around you. I feared that if you knew, you might try to do something and end up being harmed. It’s better for you to live well, knowing nothing.”

Madam Wen stared at him blankly. Pei Wenxuan continued, “When father was alive, he often reminded me that as men, we must shoulder responsibilities and strive to ensure the well-being of those around us. If they are not well, it is our problem. Father took care of you all his life, so you didn’t have to worry about anything.”

As Pei Wenxuan spoke, the image of Li Rong flashed in his mind, bringing a sudden pang of sadness, heartache, and unspoken guilt.

“Father wanted me to continue his responsibilities and take care of you. I always thought this was my struggle. Whether I succeeded or failed, it shouldn’t disturb you. As long as you lived well, if I failed, it was my incompetence.”

Madam Wen’s tears fell like pearls, “Then why… why are you telling me now? Did I push you to a dead end?”

“Not exactly,” Pei Wenxuan smiled, “Someone told me that you should have a choice.”

“Father never gave you the choice to be a great lady or a wife. He treated you like a canary, pampering you all your life. He took all the responsibilities upon himself—yours, the family’s, and mine.”

“I once thought I should be like him. I tried, but I slowly realized I am not father, and his way may not be right.”

“People have limits. If I try to take responsibility for everyone around me, I won’t live well.”

“So, I want to give you a choice.”

Pei Wenxuan looked at Madam Wen, stepped forward, and knelt on one knee before her, looking up earnestly, “Mother, will you help me?”

Madam Wen cried so hard she couldn’t see clearly.

“You should have told me earlier…” Madam Wen said hoarsely, “I waited for this sentence all my life from your father. But he never said it, and I forgot.”

“Wenxuan… I’m sorry…” Madam Wen cried, kneeling on the ground, “I’m sorry, it’s my fault, I’m sorry…”

Pei Wenxuan said nothing, quietly watching the crying Madam Wen.

Outside, the rain began to fall, mixing with Madam Wen’s sobs. Pei Wenxuan watched her cry and said softly, “Mother, don’t cry. Please get up.”

As soon as he finished speaking, someone rushed in urgently.

“Consort,” Tong Ye panted, “There’s news from the palace.”

Tong Ye urgently said, “Third Master has brought many ministers to kneel at the door of the Imperial Study, demanding punishment for the princess. The princess is also kneeling at the door of the Imperial Study, demanding punishment for Second Master and Third Master. They have been in a standoff, kneeling for a long time.”

Hearing this, Pei Wenxuan immediately stood up. The sudden movement caused his wound to tear open, and blood seeped through his white clothes. He coldly said, “Prepare the carriage, we are going to the palace.”

Turning to Madam Wen, he respectfully said, “Mother, please accompany me to the palace.”

“I’ll listen to you,” Madam Wen sniffled, “I’ll do whatever you say.”

Pei Wenxuan nodded. Madam Wen stood up and saw the bloodstains on Pei Wenxuan’s back. She wanted to ask but didn’t dare, so she held back her voice and could only cry.

Soon everything was arranged. Pei Wenxuan took an umbrella and got on the carriage with Madam Wen.

He watched the heavy rain pouring down in the courtyard, and a scene from his past life flashed in his mind—Su Rongqing holding an umbrella for Li Rong.

His heart tightened suddenly.

Such things would never happen again.

He told himself that in this life, he would not allow such things to happen again.

Previous

Next